Bridging the GAPs: Approaches to Treating Water On Farms

Figure 14 - Example parts of a typical UV light water treatment system. (Source: Faith Critzer, Washington State University).

Higher flow rates may mean multiple UV systems must be joined together or multiple bulbs may be used per system. This is determined by flow rate through the system.

UV lights will have a ballast to power the bulb. These systems also will ideally display a bulb life in hours or days of operation. Manufacturers will provide details on bulb life, but generally 10,000 hours or just over one year of use is common.

These UV system designs should be sized to meet grower use requirements and should usually have the following:

Sensors for monitoring treatment

• Percent UV transmittance through water (recommended)

• Allows you to monitor and record effectiveness

Account for variations in turbidity

• Alarm when transmittance drops below 50%

Solenoid to stop water flow

• Recorder to document treatment (this is not common)

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